(NewsUSA) - Websites focusing on sports betting and the gambling industry have been monitoring the evolution of sports wagering in the United States and around the world, yet most Americans couldn’t tell you the name of the law that was overturned by the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling back in 2018. Still, its reverberating effects have been seismic. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, more commonly referred to as PASPA, was the law of the land that gave the federal government control over where sports betting could take place. Las Vegas was the most popular exception to the rule and only a few other jurisdictions were allowed to make books. New Jersey Fights Back However, a legal fight to overturn PASPA was mounted by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and followed by his successor, Phil Murphy, which ultimately proved to be successful. The SCOTUS voted 6-3 that all parts of PASPA were illegal and that opened the floodgates for states to decide for themselves whether they would allow sports betting within their boundaries. Although the initial response was tepid, a steady stream of states began to pass sports betting legislation once they caught wind of the enormous revenue that was being generated by taxing the online and retail sportsbooks. That steady stream turned into a deluge, as more and more states hopped aboard the sports betting gravy train. How Do American Books Compare? Betting sports online is nothing new to millions of Americans who have been using offshore sports betting sites for decades. Many of those seasoned bettors, who have explored American digital sportsbooks, believe they offer less than they can find in online shops around the globe. One veteran of the gaming industry explained, “There really is no advantage to using American sportsbooks over the offshores. The offshore books I use are licensed and regulated too; it’s just that those regulations are from overseas countries but they’re every bit as strict. The biggest advantage to using offshores is they give much better bonuses, usually have better lines, take crypto like Bitcoin, there’s anonymity, and most importantly, I don't have to give the government a slice of my winnings. I don’t really want Uncle Sam knowing my business.” Sportsbooks like BetUS are often considered better alternatives to American sportsbooks by veteran bettors, but, either way, sports betting has hit the mainstream in the USA and there is no turning back! Did You Know? At this juncture, sports betting has been regulated in 34 states; find the breakdown below: Only in-person sportsbooks (10) Full mobile betting with multiple options (21) Limited mobile betting options (4) - Studies show mobile betting towers over in-person -aka retail- sports betting, generating over 90 percent of the handle. - Although the NFL is the most bet-on sports league, we should note that college football ranks second, NBA is third, and college basketball ranks fourth. Thus, it’s not surprising that college sports contribute at least 50 percent of the sports betting handle compared to the professional leagues. Money Changes Everything It didn’t take long for sports betting to catch fire with the American public, but perhaps the biggest 180-degree turn occurred when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced his league would partner up with the same entities the NFL had been castigating for decades as a clear and present danger to the integrity of their hallowed National Football League. The sanctimonious finger-pointing by Goodell, and by those who had come before him, was akin to a WWE story arc. Except this one lived on and on and on without any reprieve. It was a wholly transparent attempt at feigning animosity towards the sports betting industry while its very existence contributed mightily to the NFL’s enormous television ratings. No one is watching two last-place teams on Monday night except when it’s the NFL’s Monday Night Football. Point spreads and totals create plenty of excitement because a financial interest attracts more eyeballs to the TV set than an emotional investment ever could. But the NFL could have its cake and eat it too. They could decry sports betting all they wanted because it wouldn’t stop the masses from betting. Meanwhile, they could continue to state that their game was free of any sports betting chicanery because they went to such great pains to ensure there is no place for betting in the NFL. Yet the latter is true; neither the NFL nor any professional league wants even a hint of impropriety or cheating. Pro sports can weather virtually any storm – domestic abuse, steroids, rape, and even murder, but the death knell of any league will come if the fans believe the fix is in. Then it’s no longer worth watching, and that’s a wrap. However, when sports betting became regulated in the U.S., the NFL smelled money - lots of money - and realized those sports betting platforms would pay beaucoup bucks to partner with Roger and his 31 billionaires (the Packers are community-owned.) It wasn’t at all surprising that the NFL dropped the charade against the evils of sports betting. That was inevitable, as there were hundreds of millions on the table. But the alacrity with which they did it, without any soft pivot, was stunning in its brazen shamelessness. It was as though Goodell knew everyone else knew he was just playing a part and those that were too stupid not to pick up on the act weren’t worth his contrition. It’s almost like meeting The Undertaker at a bar. He’s not going to be the Undertaker, he’s going to be Mark Calaway, just a big dude quaffing a beer. No need to keep up the pretense. And that’s how it was with Goodell. He went from preaching fire-and-brimstone on all things sports betting to Mr. Vegas slinking into a lounge with his new best friends, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars. Back in the 80s Cyndi Lauper had a hit song, “Money Changes Everything.” If you ever doubted the wisdom of those words, just ask Roger. Offshore vs Regulated - Pros and Cons REGULATED PROS Credit & Cash Deposit/Withdraw Options Abide by local regulations. Funds are fully protected. All transactions are reported to Gov. entities (IRS). REGULATED CONS Fewer wager offers per games. Fewer leagues and events offered. Odds (payouts) are less attractive. Registration processes are more invasive. Cryptocurrencies are not an option. Fewer shops. In-person wagering required on some states. Tax variables depending on which state you wager on. Bonuses and promotions are limited/minimum. OFFSHORE PROS Deposit/withdraw options with cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin and other alternative currencies often available. Deposits/withdrawals with crypto are often immediate and fees don't apply. No tax withholding. More wagering options per league/games More leagues and events are offered. More casino games are offered. Higher privacy standards. More bonuses and promotions are offered More shop options are available. Some reliable sportsbooks include: BetUS BetOnline Heritage Sports OFFSHORE CONS Cash and credit deposits can be more difficult. Regulations are determined by the country the shop is licensed in. No wager limits placed by government to protect customers. Article Link https://about.newsusa.com/us-sports-betting-where-are-we

On today’s date, June 16, 2023, at approximately 11:11 a.m. Trooper Richard Albert, assigned to the Cobleskill Interstate Patrol operating a marked State Police Vehicle, observed a silver SUV driving on I-88 Eastbound traveling over 100 MPH in the town of Duanesburg, NY. Trooper Albert conducted a traffic stop on the SUV, and upon approaching the driver’s side of the vehicle, the driver put the window down, and the passenger reached out the driver-side window and opened fire on Trooper Albert, striking him in his left upper arm. Trooper Albert returned fire. The shooter and a passenger exited the vehicle, and the shooter fled on foot. The passenger was taken into custody uninjured at the scene. The shooter has been identified as Nelson Troche, 32 of Schenectady, NY and was located approximately one and a half hours later in the area of Darby Hill Road in Duanesburg, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Troopers immediately provided medical aid until EMS arrived and transported him to Albany Medical Center via med flight, where he has since been declared deceased. Trooper Albert was transported to Ellis Hospital by State Police and has since been discharged. State Police would like to thank the medical staff at Ellis Hospital along with all our other assisting agencies, including the Schoharie County Sheriff’s Office, The Schenectady County Sheriff’s Office, the Village of Cobleskill Police Department, City of Schenectady Police Department, the Glenville Police Department, and the Guilderland Police Department. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=748690630593633&set=a.726643332798363

According to the Oneida County Sheriff, Robert Maciol, on Sunday, August 13th, at approximately 12:32 A.M., Sheriff Deputies responded to the intersection of State Route 8 and Babcock Hill Road, in the Town of Bridgewater for a one-car motor vehicle personal injury accident. After an investigation, it was determined that Caleb M. Pope, 18 years old of Clayville, was traveling in 2009 CADILLAC, West on Babcock Hill Road at a high rate of speed when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Route 8. When Pope failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection of Babcock Hill Rd and Route 8, the vehicle he was operating crossed both lanes of State Route 8 and struck a tree on the West side of the road causing it to overturn on its roof. Pope was evaluated on scene by emergency service personnel and signed off on any medical treatment, while a 17 male juvenile passenger was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Pope was issued citations for failing to stop at a stop sign and for failing to reduce speed for an intersection returnable to Bridgewater Town Court at a later date. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted on the scene by the Bridgewater Ambulance and the New York State Police.

According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol, on August 12, 2023, at around 11:38 pm, Deputies responded to the area of Route 26 in the Town of Augusta for the report of a single motorcycle accident. Upon arrival, deputies determined David N. Rodriguez (40), of Bridgewater, was driving a 2013 Harley Davidson motorcycle, Northbound on Route 26 when he lost control around a corner, causing him to exit the roadway and strike a ditch. Rodriguez was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to be evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries. No tickets issued at this time, pending investigation. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office was assisted on the scene by Oriskany Falls Fire Department.

On the evening of August 11th, 2023, law enforcement officials from the Utica Police Department were called to investigate a reported incident of gunshots fired in the vicinity of the 900 block of Lenox Ave. Upon their arrival, they discovered physical evidence of multiple expended shell casings and were informed that two male suspects were observed fleeing from the scene. Following a thorough investigation, it was revealed that the suspects had fled to a residence located on City St, and that a firearm may have been involved in the incident. With the necessary authority granted, Patrol Officers and Investigators from the GIVE unit proceeded to conduct a search of the premises, ultimately leading to the discovery of a loaded .32 caliber handgun. Subsequently, a 17-year-old male suspect claimed ownership of the weapon and was transported to the Utica Police Department for further questioning. Ultimately, the Juvenile Aid Unit charged him with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. As per legal requirements, the suspect's identity cannot be publicly disclosed due to his age. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=684024233767640&set=a.223509269819141

NYSP Wall of Honor - Today we remember Trooper Thomas L. Corbett On August 13, 1933, Trooper Corbett died as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident on January 14, 1931, in the town of Caledonia, Livingston County. Trooper Corbett suffered spinal injuries and a crushed pelvis when the vehicle he and another Trooper were traveling in was forced off the road. He was never able to leave the hospital and received a disability retirement on August 1, 1931. He passed away from complications more than two years later. Trooper Corbett, age 31, from Batavia, joined the State Police on July 16, 1921, and was assigned to Troop A. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=603577861965932&set=a.153499116973811

PRESS RELEASE On August 12, 2023, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Guillermo Morales, 52 of Buffalo, NY for Vehicular Manslaughter 1st degree, Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance 4th degree, Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1st degree, and additional Vehicle and Traffic Law charges. On August 12, 2023, at 3:06 A.M., Troopers out of SP Buffalo responded to a two-vehicle collision on the I-190 southbound lane in the city of Buffalo. The investigation determined that Morales was operating a 2011 Dodge Ram on the I-190 traveling northbound in the southbound lane. Morales struck a 2009 Buick traveling southbound, head on. The operator of the Buick, Matthew J. Czop, 38 of Tonawanda, NY was pronounced deceased at the scene. Morales was in possession of cocaine and showed signs of intoxication. Morales was taken to Erie County Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries. Morales was arrested at ECMC and arraignment is pending due to medical treatments. Morales has a prior DWI and two prior DWAI convictions. NYSP Collision Reconstruction Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office assisted in this investigation. This is an ongoing investigation. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/fatal-collision-results-in-manslaughter-arrest.htm

PRESS RELEASE On August 12, 2023, around 8:12 p.m., New York State Police and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department responded to Big Brook Road, Indian Lake, NY for a report of shots fired. When Troopers arrived on the scene, they located David J. Chenier, age 32, of Indian Lake, NY, deceased. An autopsy will be conducted at Glens Falls Hospital by Pathologist, Doctor Michael Sikirica, at a date and time yet to be determined. Subsequent to a vehicle and traffic stop, Ann M. Favro, age 57, of Saranac Lake, NY was arrested for (1) count of Murder in the 2nd Degree. Favro was arraigned in the Town of Indian Lake Court and remanded to the Hamilton County Jail without bail. State Police are asking for anyone with information regarding this incident to please contact State Police at 518-873-2750. This investigation remains ongoing. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/state-police-investigate-homicide-in-town-indian-lake.htm

PRESS RELEASE On August 13, 2023, at approximately 2:48 p.m., troopers from SP Waterloo responded to a report of a property damage accident in the area of State Route 96A and West River Road in the Town of Waterloo. A red Jeep Cherokee was partially submerged in the New York State Canal. After an investigation, Frederick J. Holmes, age 25, of Waterloo, NY, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and traffic infractions. Holmes was transported to SP Waterloo for processing. He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Waterloo Court on September 27, 2023. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/a-waterloo-man-is-arrested-for-dwi-after-his-vehicle-is-found-in-nys-canal..htm

PRESS RELEASE On August 9, 2023, State Police in Elbridge arrested 26-year-old Tyshawn M. Allen, from Syracuse, NY for Burglary 2nd degree, class “C” felony and Grand Larceny 3rd degree, class “D” felony. Allen is charged with unlawfully entering an occupied residence on August 7, 2023, in the town of Elbridge, taking a set of keys for a 2022 Nissan Altima from a table inside the residence, and then driving off in the vehicle. Allen was processed without incident and was transported to the Onondaga County Justice Center to be arraigned at CAP Court where he was held without bail. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/syracuse-man-arrested-on-burglary-and-grand-larceny-charges.htm

On August 9, 2023, the New York State Police from the SP Fulton barracks were dispatched to a home on County Route 4 in the Town of Scriba for a suspicious person. The investigation determined that property had been stolen from inside and outside buildings. As a result of the investigation, Larry W. Walker Jr., age 40 of Scriba, and Mark C. Burdick, age 32 of Fulton were arrested for Burglary 3rd degree and Petit Larceny. Both were arraigned in Oswego County CAP Court. Larry Walker was remanded with no bail due to his previous convictions. Mark Burdick was released on his own recognizance. Sources: https://www.nyspnews.com/two-men-arrested-on-burglary-and-petit-larceny-charges.htm

Actions Would Accelerate Existing Regulatory Implementation and Increase Transparency Governor Kathy Hochul today continued to urge Congress, federal regulators, and the freight rail industry to take additional proactive steps to prevent freight rail disasters following last week’s derailment in Montgomery County. These measures, first outlined by the Governor in February, will help create a safer freight rail transportation industry while increasing state emergency response capabilities through improved federal oversight. “Keeping New Yorkers safe is my number one priority, so we cannot wait for another disaster to happen before we take steps to improve rail safety,” Governor Hochul said. “The train derailment last week in Montgomery County was thankfully free of injuries or spills but demonstrated the incredible need for the federal government and the freight rail industry to take action and protect both residents and the environment.” Specifically, Governor Hochul calls on Congress, the freight rail industry, and federal regulators to take the following actions: Expedite the phase-in of safer tank cars (DOT 117's) for hazardous materials in advance of the Congressionally mandated 2029 deadline. Modernize braking regulations and increase the use of electronically controlled pneumatic brakes (ECP) to prevent potential rail derailments. Require railroads to provide advance notification to State emergency response teams of hazardous cars moving through their state. Expand state and local grants specifically for hazmat preparedness and response planning. New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “I applaud the Governor’s continued call for a multi-pronged set of actions on this important safety matter. We all recognize that enhancing rail safety is not something that New York State can address on its own - it requires our partners in the freight rail industry and the federal government to work together with us to achieve these important safety objectives. Strengthening rail safety in New York State will help further protect our communities and the environment, reducing the frequency and severity of rail crashes, which are results that we all seek to achieve.” New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Governor Hochul recognizes that the safest way to avoid a public health and environmental disaster like East Palestine is to prevent derailments in the first place. DEC applauds her vigilance in seeking additional rail industry improvements on the national level and remains committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities.” New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Hazardous material incidents along railroads have become all too common here in New York and across the country. DHSES experts trained in hazmat and disaster response responded to last week’s derailment in Montgomery County, where thankfully no one was injured. Governor Hochul’s proposed common-sense measures would undoubtedly create a safer environment for everyone moving forward.” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “I’m very thankful that there were no injuries during the train derailment in Montgomery County, but we must take action to prevent this from happening again. I support Governor Hochul’s efforts to push the federal government and freight industry to intercede and ensure the safety of New Yorkers.” Contact the Governor’s Press Office Sources: www.governor.ny.gov Contact us by phone: Albany: (518) 474-8418 New York City: (212) 681-4640 Contact us by email: Press.Office@exec.ny.gov Governor Kathy Hochul